# How does Miss Marjoribanks develop the theme of Practicality vs. Romance?

> Miss Marjoribanks by Margaret Oliphant

## Answer

Miss Marjoribanks by Margaret Oliphant develops Practicality vs. Romance across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

Lucilla consistently prioritizes practical considerations—such as the quality of dinners, the arrangement of furniture, and political advantage—over romantic sentiment, treating love as a secondary concern to social strategy.

Dr. Marjoribanks's pragmatic, unemotional response contrasts sharply with Lucilla's romantic, novel-inspired vision of filial devotion.

Lucilla's pragmatic approach to marriage and society contrasts with Tom's romantic ineptitude, and Dr. Marjoribanks prioritizes financial prudence over romantic attachment.

Lucilla's pragmatic approach to Tom's attentions and her postponement of marriage until age twenty-nine contrast with romantic expectations.

## Evidence

- [i](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/i.md): Dr. Marjoribanks's pragmatic, unemotional response contrasts sharply with Lucilla's romantic, novel-inspired vision of filial devotion.
- [vi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/vi.md): Lucilla's pragmatic approach to marriage and society contrasts with Tom's romantic ineptitude, and Dr. Marjoribanks prioritizes financial prudence over romantic attachment.
- [vii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/vii.md): Lucilla's pragmatic approach to Tom's attentions and her postponement of marriage until age twenty-nine contrast with romantic expectations.
- [ix](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/ix.md): Lucilla's practical dismissal of Tom's romantic proposal, treating it as a feverish delusion, contrasts sharply with his emotional outpouring.
- [xvii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xvii.md): Rose's pragmatic and principled approach to Barbara's romantic disappointment contrasts with Barbara's emotional collapse, emphasizing the conflict between practical duty and romantic sentiment.
- [xxvii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xxvii.md): Lucilla's rational view of Mr. Cavendish's behavior contrasts with the romantic entanglements she observes, and she prioritizes practical intervention over emotional understanding.
- [xxxvi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xxxvi.md): Lucilla's practical approach to her social duties contrasts with the romantic ideal of marriage as the ultimate reward.
- [xxxix](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xxxix.md): Lucilla dismisses Mr. Cavendish's sentimental appeal as 'humbug,' prioritizing practical considerations over emotional rhetoric in her political support.

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